Law needed to protect cops from insult, says Lam

It's the right time for the government to enact legislation prohibiting acts that insult public officers, as public order has been restored with Article 23 coming into effect, Junior Police Officers' Association chairman Lam Chi-wai said.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the association yesterday, Lam said there is a consensus within the force that it is high time to legislate the crime of insulting public officers, especially policemen.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, or Article 23, took effect in March, which Lam said has formed a "national security protection network." However, the safety of public officers remains unsecured, he added.

"Some would take advantage of the loopholes that Hong Kong does not have a law to protect officers from being insulted and create chaos or put pressure on public officers doing their jobs so that they could evade law enforcement and vent their dissatisfaction," said Lam, who has been association chairman since 2018.

"They would even use the loophole to challenge the governance of the SAR."

Lam also said the legislation would help safeguard the dignity of public officers and improve law enforcement efficiency.

"Social unrest in the past suspended the work of promoting the legislation while I believe that the government has discussed this issue and reached some consensus," Lam added. "Now is the right time for the government to strive for a result."

He also said this would be his last term as chairman and the association has created a new work plan to focus more on the welfare of officers joining the force after June 2000.

Lam did not directly respond to whether he was satisfied with the 3 percent pay rise for civil servants backdated to April 1.

However, he said the administration has carefully considered and balanced all important factors when deciding the pay rise, as it will also affect the private labor market.

He also suggested the administration set up a committee to study the depleted police ranks, with over 6,000 vacancies in the force.